Ave Maria : Florida

What it's Like to Retire in Ave Maria

Ave Maria is a new planned community near Naples, FL. Ave Maria has been designed to human scale. Street networks, distinctive character, and environmental sustainability are central to its planning. It is a true community, a place where residents of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and religions will live together. it has been designed from the ground up to be a compact, walkable, self-sustaining town that offers a full range of residential options and commercial services. Ave Maria is also the first town to be built around a Catholic university, Ave Maria University, as its central focus. The university in turn is connected to the Town via La Piazza, anchored by the landmark Oratory and retail and commercial space. The community consists of 5,000 acres, of which 20% are set aside for the University and its future growth. About 45% of the total town area is devoted to lakes and open space.

Community resources include public and parochial schools, a Publix supermarket, an on-site fire/sheriff/EMS building, as well as medical facilities provided by Emergency Physicians Network and a Dentist Office. Picture of Ava Maria University courtesy of Wikipedia and Anthjay.

Watch this short Youtube video prepared by Ava Maria, Florida:

Where to Retire in Ave Maria and Home Prices

Ave Maria will eventually contain some 11,000 residential dwellings in a wide variety of price ranges and neighborhoods. Almost every form of housing is available in the 6 current neighborhoods from condominiums to villas, and from starter to estate homes. Active adults will probably be more comfortable in one of the condo, townhome, or Pulte neighborhoods (see list of Ave Maria Active Communities at right). Prices range from the low $100's to the high $300's.

What is special about Ave Maria

Ave Maria is one of the most original town concepts ever. Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino's Pizza and the Chancellor of Ave Maria University is the force behind the town, along with his partner, Barron Collier Companies, a company involved in the project as part of its "Rural Stewardship" program. The oratory (photo above while under construction, is courtesy of Wikipedia and ) is a Frank Lloyd Wright influenced design and the centerpiece of the community. Community amenities include a huge tennis facility, golf course, parks, pools, water park, commercial and retail space.

What is not special about Ave Maria

Not for people who don't want to live in a Catholic inspired community.

Who will like retirement in Ave Maria

Ave Maria is perfect if you like the New Urbanism, a Catholic driven lifestyle, and want to be near a University.

Local economy is driven by

The University will be the major force in this community.

Climate and Physical Environment

Ave Maria is east of Naples in southwest Florida. The average July high temperature is 91and the average January low is 50. The wettest month is June (8")

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The University will be the center of cultural life. The town also has a planned amphitheatre for cultural events.

Crime

Crime in Ave Maria is much lower than the national average.

Medical facilities

Nearby Naples and Fort Myers have a number of top-notch hospitals and medical specialists of every stripe.

Transportation

The Fort Myers Airport is nearby and has great service, including Southwest Airlines.

Valuable Links

What people are saying about Ave Maria

Jan Cullinane

Ave Maria also offers a Del Webb active-adult community within the greater community, with homes starting from about $160,000. Ave Maria is growing, albeit slowly. It\'s a 30-minute drive to Naples, and two hours to Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Ave Maria says: \"People of all faiths are welcome in Ave Maria.\"
I don\'t represent Ave Maria in any way, and I\'m not a realtor, just sharing my research with you. I\'ve been there twice.
Jan Cullinane, author, The Single Woman\'s Guide to Retirement

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